Berlin audiences will have a first look at Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, La Grazia, this week as part of Babylon Berlin’s CinemAperitivo series. The preview screening, scheduled for February 28th, will be particularly special with the presence of actor Orlando Cinque, who stars in the film, and film critic Francesco della Calce.
La Grazia, which translates to “The Pardon,” centers on the final months of Italian President Mariano De Santis, portrayed by Toni Servillo. A widower and devout Catholic, De Santis, a jurist by training, faces a weighty decision: whether to sign a bill legalizing euthanasia in a predominantly Catholic Italy. Complicating matters, he must also consider petitions for clemency in two murder cases, forcing him to grapple with questions of law, justice, and personal responsibility, as reported by Variety.
The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August 2025, where Servillo won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor. It was released theatrically in Italy on January 15, 2026, according to Wikipedia. La Grazia runs 133 minutes and is produced by Fremantle and The Apartment Pictures, in association with Numero 10.
Orlando Cinque: A Quiet Presence in Sorrentino’s Drama
Cinque portrays Colonel Massimo Labaro in La Grazia, a character described by sources as a silent guardian to President De Santis. As one quote from promotional material states, “Cinque gives body to a presence that exists mostly in silence. His colonel is a figure who observes, protects, listens, a sort of guardian angel to the President.” The role, it’s noted, requires a withdrawal, a becoming “invisible,” and therefore a profound exposure.
Cinque is a veteran of Italian television and film, with notable roles in series like Romanzo criminale – La serie (2008), where he played Trentadenari, and more recent projects including Fabbricante di lacrime (2024) as Norman Milligan, and Vanina – Un vicequestore a Catania (2024) as Tito Macchia. He also appeared in Sulla mia pelle (2018) as Marshal Roberto Mandolini and Briganti: Da eroi a canaglie (2024) as Pietro Monaco.
Before his work in film and television, Cinque received his acting training at the Teatro Stabile di Genova, graduating in 1998. He has also appeared in L’uomo del labirinto (2019) and the series Romulus.
Babylon Berlin’s CinemAperitivo: A Platform for Italian Cinema
The CinemAperitivo event at Babylon Berlin offers a unique opportunity to experience Italian cinema and engage with the artists behind it. Following the screening of La Grazia, attendees will have the chance to participate in a discussion with Cinque and critic Francesco della Calce, hosted by Matteo Forni, and enjoy an aperitivo – a pre-dinner drink and snack – fostering a convivial atmosphere for film lovers. The event provides a space to delve into the complex themes presented in Sorrentino’s film, particularly the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by President De Santis.
La Grazia promises a compelling exploration of power, faith, and the weight of responsibility, offering a nuanced portrait of a leader grappling with hard choices. The film’s exploration of euthanasia, a sensitive topic in Italy, is likely to spark conversation and debate, as noted in a recent review.
Following the Berlin preview, La Grazia will continue its international rollout, offering audiences worldwide the chance to experience Sorrentino’s latest work and Servillo’s award-winning performance. Further screenings and distribution details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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